This afternoon on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ 2FM the Irish entries vying for a place in the second semi final of this years Eurovision were played. One of these songs: Don’t Hold on, The Movie Song, Heatbeat, Be Mine or You Don’t Remember Me will win Eurosong 2014 and represent Ireland in Copenhagen.
Yesterday the acts were announced as reported here on Eurovisionary.
Today the order in which the songs are played is the same running order they will take in the Irish final.
To hear the track simply click on the song titles
Song 1 – Don’t Hold On – Patricia Roe (M & T:) Patricia Roe
This track is classic Irish Eurovision. A strong female vocal and a great lyric that harks back to the days when this was the formula for success at the contest of the 1980’s and early 1990’s. My biggest concern for Patricia under the mentorship of her sister Valerie is that this is a good ballad but is overshadowed by the songs that come next. Regardless of this I am very much looking forward to seeing her perform this contender live on the night.
Song 2 – The Movie Song – Eoghan Quigg (M & T:) Karl Broderick
On first listen I am getting the Ed Sheeran and One Direction vibes from this airy track. Eoghan has strong vocals and sells it well on the recording, with a wealth of exprience on stage he should be just as good on the show. I like the use of the word groovy, it’s quite sweet and a bit charming. Not forgetting the all inportant keychange. With a lot of fans who have previously voted for him on tv he should have a certain advanage. Eoghan’s mentor is Mark Murphy.
Song 3 – Heartbeat – Can-Linn (featuring vocals by Kacey Smith) (M & T:) Hazel Kaneswaran (mentor), Jonas Gladnikoff, Rasmus Palmgren & Patrizia Helande
There is an edge to this track and it will be very interesting to see how it is staged on the small space that is The Late Late Show studio. It has familiar traditional elements to it, the voilin is clearly evident in the background behind the choppy beats. It’s certainly a step in the right direction for Ireland, just needs to have that extra punch on the night.
Song 4 – Be Mine – Andrew Mann (M & T:) Cormac Battle (mentor)
A big original track here, with the slightest thoughts of US rock group Nickelback brought to mind. Andrew has a very confident singing voice and he will no doubt give it his all on the night. Could a rock/pop track like this be the ticket for Ireland in 2014? This certainly has potential.
Song 5 – You Don’t Remember Me – Laura O’Neill (M & T:) Don Mescall & Lucie Silvas
Billy McGuinness of Irish band Aslan has really pulled off a coup with this potential entry. This song stands out from the first play. There is a really lovely texure to Laura’s voice that really brings a strenth to this co-written composition. I am reminded of Adele in the sound of the strings and the assured performance. Judge for yourself on listen, I think this could well turn out to be the Irish public and regional jury’s choice for Copenhagen.
So there you have it, five songs of varying styles all set to face the vote at the end of the month to follow in the footsteps of last years Irish entrant Ryan Dolan.
Ireland has had a patchy record in the Eurovision since the introduction of the Semi Finals in 2004. Failing to quality in 2005, 2008 and 2009 respectively. Since 2010 they have managed to advance to the final on each occasion with their best result in the past decade coming from Jedward placing 8th at the 56th contest in Dusseldorf 2011.
The Late Late Show Eurosong 2014 will be live on RTÉ One Friday 28th February from 9.30pm GMT
You might also like to read:
